CENTER OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Museum director switches hats to take science adviser position

COLUMBUS (AP) -- The director of the cash-strapped Columbus Center of Science and Industry is resigning to become its science adviser, museum officials announced Monday. Kathryn Sullivan, a former astronaut who has served on national science panels under four presidents, said she wants to get more involved with the museum's subject matter instead of its supervision. "At my core I have always been a teacher," Sullivan said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to supporting COSI as an educator, rather than an administrator." Sullivan, who in 1984 became the first American woman to walk in space, has served as president and CEO of COSI since 1996, and oversaw the center's move to the downtown Columbus riverfront in 1999. Last year, Franklin County voters rejected a levy that would have provided $12 million a year to the museum and given residents free admission. In response, COSI laid off dozens, closed two days a week and trimmed exhibits by 20 percent.

Don't Miss a Story

Sign up for our newsletter to receive daily news directly in your inbox.